Eggardon Hill and Powerstock

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Expansive views and hidden valleys, an exquisite village and a historic hill-fort are some of the ingredients in this circular walk, starting on the summit of Dorset's downs and descending into the Marshwood Vale. Skirting the SSSI of Powerstock Common on a decommissioned railway, the route arrives at Powerstock with its historic church and pub. Finally is the climb back up to Eggardon, a major Iron Age hill-fort, rich in flora and richer in views.There are no facilities outside Powerstock.

After many years since the last comments thought it best to leave some as a few modifications are needed! Not sure how Robert went wrong 9 years ago? As long as you have the map it shouldn't have been a problem, although there are no footpath arrows through the fields down to the farm, maybe that was the problem? As mentioned in 2005, at the notice board follow the green arrows along the railway line, however, there is now a detour at the bridge as it's now unsafe to walk under and over, so points 5 and 6 need updating. You can rejoin, just before WM 7, by taking the detour round the bridge and continuing along the railway line a further few hundred yards. You meet an footpath right, but after going through a couple of fields you cross a stile immediately onto a very steep, muddy, slippery embankment. After that, no problems, and a very enjoyable walk with great views and interest along the way.

24/06/2008 - Robert Allen

Tried this walk 22/6/08 the directions at the start are now out of date and I had to give up. Shame the area is fantastic.

31/12/2005 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk on 25 December 2005. A lovely walk. The instructions are ambiguous so note the points in Nicola's comment below - easy to go wrong at these stages. The climb at the end is a stretch but the view from the top, and all around the Eggardon Hill fort, is amazing on a clear day.

29/08/2005 - nicola burton

Good walk. At info board on Powerstock Common go straight on and follow green arrow. Walk along the disused railway for quite a while and you will find the bridge. Do not go off the track at the permissive path bridge about 200 yards further on. Great pub with lovely views from the garden. Big hill at the end but worth the climb.